Overview of the MVP Race for the National and American Leagues (as of May 25, 2021)

Introduction

For those unfamiliar with the voting criteria for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Major League Baseball , here are some essential points outlined by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BWWAA):

There's no universally accepted definition of what constitutes a 'Most Valuable Player.' It is the responsibility of each voter to assess and determine the MVP for both the National and American Leagues based on that player's significance and contribution to their respective teams. Importantly, the Most Valuable Player does not necessarily have to be from a division champion or any playoff team.

The fundamental principles guiding the voting process have remained unchanged since the original ballots were created back in 1931:

1. The actual contribution of a player to their team includes their offensive and defensive strength.
2. Number of games played.
3. General attributes such as character, dedication, commitment, and effort are also taken into account.
4. Former winners are eligible.
5. Committee members are permitted to cast votes for multiple players from the same team.

Be sure to carefully think through all your choices from 1 to 10. A vote for 10th place can sway the overall MVP results. It is required to complete all 10 slots on your MVP ballot. Only performances from the regular season should be factored into your vote, so refrain from considering the postseason in your evaluation. Remember that all MLB players, including pitchers and designated hitters from both the National League and American League , are eligible for MVP consideration.

National League MVP Candidates

• Ronald Acuna Jr. (Atlanta Braves)

Acuna Jr. Since his MLB debut in 2018, he has been instrumental in guiding the Atlanta Braves to success. As of the 2021 season, this talented outfielder boasts a batting average of .276, with 15 home runs, 31 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.001.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

MLB All – Star (2019)

2 Time All – MLB Second Team (2019, 2020)

National League Rookie of the Year (2018)

2Time Silver Slugger Award (2019, 2020)

National League Stolen Base Leader (2019)

MLB 30 – 30 Club (2019)

• Jacob deGrom (New York Mets)

Not to mention that deGrom He might be on track to earn a third National League Cy Young Award, currently holding an exceptional ERA of 0.68 this season with 65 strikeouts and just 7 walks after 6 starts in the 2021 MLB season.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

3 Time MLB All – Star (2015, 2018, 2019)

2 Time All – MLB First Team (2019, 2020)

2 Time National League Cy Young Award (2018, 2019)

National League Rookie of the Year (2014)

National League ERA Leader (2018)

Twice he has been the leader in strikeouts in the National League (2019, 2020).

• Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres)

This young prospect is starting his MLB journey with tremendous energy, quickly ascending as one of the most exciting players to watch in the National League for both his batting prowess and defensive skills. Expect him to clinch the NL MVP award in the near future, if not this very season.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

All – MLB First Team (2020)

Silver Slugger Award (2020)

• Juan Soto (Washington Nationals)

Even though Soto is part of a struggling Washington Nationals team, his remarkable talent and skills should not be underestimated, regardless of where he plays on the diamond.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

All – MLB First Team (2020)

All – MLB Second Team (2019)

World Series Champion (2019)

Silver Slugger Award (2020)

National League Batting Champion (2020)

• Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)

This consistent contender for MVP in Philadelphia can leave fans in awe. The question remains: Can he showcase his abilities to the entire National League and turn the fortunes around for the underperforming Philadelphia Phillies?

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

6 Time MLB All – Star (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)

National League MVP (2015)

National League Rookie of the Year (2012)

Silver Slugger Award (2015)

National League Hank Aaron Award (2015)

National League Home Run Leader (2015)

Golden Spikes Award (2010)

• Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Betts has the capability to be an MVP frontrunner every season he is fit. At present, his batting average stands at .258 with 5 home runs and 16 RBIs, but these numbers are likely to surge once his formidable Los Angeles Dodgers lineup regains full strength.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

4 Time MLB All – Star (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)

2 Time World Series Champion (2018, 2020)

American League MVP (2018)

All – MLB First Team (2020)

All – MLB Second Team (2019)

4 Time Silver Slugger Award (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020)

5 Time Gold Glove Award (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award (2016)

Heart and Hustle Award (2018)

American League Batting Champion (2018)

MLB 30 – 30 Club (2018)

Hit for the Cycle (August 9, 2018)

• Corey Seager (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Another standout for the LA Dodgers is Corey Seager, who is enjoying a breakout season both as a hitter and a fielder. He currently has a batting average of .265, with 4 home runs and 22 RBIs as part of his 2021 MLB performance.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

2 Time MLB All – Star (2016, 2017)

All – MLB Second Team (2020)

World Series Champion (2020)

World Series MVP (2020)

He was named MVP in the National League Championship Series (2020).

National League Rookie of the Year (2016)

2 Time Silver Slugger Award (2016, 2017)

• Kris Bryant (Chicago Cubs)

Kris Bryant is undeniably the top player for the Chicago Cubs, and arguably the best all-around player of the early 2021 MLB season. His versatility on defense combined with his offensive leadership positions him as an invaluable asset. If the Cubs find success this year, it will likely be thanks to his exemplary performance.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

3 Time MLB All – Star (2015, 2016, 2019)

World Series Champion (2016)

National League MVP (2016)

National League Rookie of the Year (2015)

National League Hank Aaron Award (2016)

Golden Spikes Award (2013)

Dick Howser Trophy (2013)

American League MVP Candidates

• Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels)

What limitations does this player have? He both pitches and hits exceptionally well, unlike any other contemporary baseball star. If only the Los Angeles Angels could elevate their game and contend in the American League West, he would be a serious candidate for AL MVP, alongside Mike Trout if he is fully fit.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

Japan Series Champion (2016)

5 Time NPB All – Star (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)

Pacific League MVP (2016)

Twice he has received the Pacific League Pitcher Best Nine accolade (2015, 2016).

Designated Hitter Best Nine (2016)

Pacific League ERA Leader (2015)

He also won the Pacific League Battery Award with Shota Ono in 2015.

Recognized with the Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize on two occasions (2016, 2018).

WBSC Player of the Year (2015)

American League Rookie of the Year (2018)

Hit for the Cycle (June 13, 2019)

• Vlad Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)

This young talent is starting to follow in the footsteps of his Hall of Fame father with the same name. He's just a year or two away from making a significant impact in Major League Baseball. In my view, Jr. would benefit from joining a team that could offer him greater visibility and a higher chance of earning the Most Valuable Player Award.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

Currently plays for the Toronto Blue Jays (2019 – Present).

More to come…

• Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels)

He is Mike Trout When completely healthy, Trout stands as the finest overall baseball player. He has already claimed 3 American League MVP Awards, and it's likely he would have added another one or two if he hadn't been somewhat overlooked in the AL West. Playing for a major market team like the NY Yankees, he would probably have already secured 5 AL MVP Awards.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

8 Time MLB All – Star (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)

3 Time American League MVP (2014, 2016, 2019)

2 Time All – MLB First Team (2019, 2020)

American League Rookie of the Year (2012)

8 Time Silver Slugger Award (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020)

Twice the recipient of the American League Hank Aaron Award (2014, 2019).

Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award (2012).

2 Time MLB All – Star Game MVP (2014, 2015)

American League RBI Leader (2014)

American League Stolen Base Leader (2012)

MLB 30 – 30 Club (2012)

Hit for the Cycle (May 21, 2013)

• Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)

Speaking of the New York Yankees Judge is regaining his status as one of the elite sluggers in the league. At this moment, he holds a batting average of .308 along with 12 home runs and 26 RBIs, setting himself up for a stellar comeback this season both for himself and his team.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

2 Time MLB All – Star (2017, 2018)

American League Rookie of the Year (2017)

Silver Slugger Award (2017)

American League Home Run Leader (2017)

• J. D. Martinez (Boston Red Sox)

This player epitomizes consistency in Major League Baseball. Martinez is demonstrating a remarkable batting average of .328, 12 home runs, and 37 RBIs already in his 11th season in the major leagues, where he has been quite dominant.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

3 Time MLB All – Star (2015, 2018, 2019)

World Series Champion (2018)

3 Time Silver Slugger Award (2015, 2018, 2018)

American League Hank Aaron Award (2018)

American League RBI Leader (2018)

Hit 4 Home Runs in 1 Game (September 4, 2017)

• Giancarlo Stanton (New York Yankees)

While Giancarlo's current season does not match his career-best performance from 2017 with the Miami Marlins, he is showing signs of resurgence with the potent roster of the New York Yankees in the Bronx. If he maintains his upward trajectory in home runs and RBIs, he might just find himself back in the running for the American League MVP this year.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

4 Time MLB All – Star (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017)

National League MVP (2017)

2 Time Silver Slugger Award (2014, 2017)

Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award (2012).

Twice honored with the National League Hank Aaron Award (2014, 2017).

Twice leading the National League in home runs (2014, 2017).

National League RBI Leader (2017)

• Jose Ramirez (Cleveland Indians)

This versatile player has the potential to heat things up at the plate while also showcasing his skills defensively at third base. Currently, Ramirez's statistics include a batting average of .255, an on-base percentage of .344, a slugging percentage of .547, and an OPS of .891. Expect an improvement as his team begins to pick up momentum in the latter part of the 2021 MLB season.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

2 Time MLB All – Star (2017, 2018)

All – MLB Second Team (2020)

3 Time Silver Slugger Award (2017, 2018, 2020)

MLB 30 – 30 Club (2018)

• Jose Abreu (Chicago White Sox)

The reigning American League MVP winner consistently squares up the ball almost every time he steps into the batter's box. Abreu plays for the Chicago White Sox, a team that could elevate him on this list if they keep winning games. Presently, he has a batting average of .252 with 9 home runs and 35 RBIs. As he continues to improve his pitch recognition, those stats are expected to rise. When Jose is on his game, pitching to him is a challenge no one should take lightly.

Achievements and Awards in Baseball Career

3 Time MLB All – Star (2014, 2018, 2019)

All – MLB Second Team (2020)

American League MVP (2020)

American League Rookie of the Year (2014)

3 Time Silver Slugger Award (2014, 2018, 2020)

American League Hank Aaron Award (2020)

2 Time American League RBI Leader (2019, 2020)

Recipient of the Sporting News Player of the Year Award (2020).

Hit for the Cycle (September 9, 2017)

Latest MLB Standings (as of May 25th, 2021)

American League East

Tampa Bay Rays 30 – 19 0 Games Behind

Boston Red Sox 29 – 19 0.5 Games Behind

New York Yankees 28 – 19 1 Games Behind

Toronto Blue Jays 23 – 23 5.5 Games Behind

Baltimore Orioles 17 – 30 12 Games Behind

American League Central

Chicago White Sox 27 – 19 0 Games Behind

Cleveland Indians 25 – 20 1.5 Games Behind

Kansas City Royals 22 – 23 4.5 Games Behind

Minnesota Twins 18 – 29 9.5 Games Behind

Detroit Tigers 18 – 29 9.5 Games Behind

American League West

Oakland Athletics 28 – 21 0 Games Behind

Houston Astros 26 – 21 1 Games Behind

Seattle Mariners 22 – 26 5.5 Games Behind

Texas Rangers 22 – 27 6 Games Behind

Los Angeles Angels 20 – 27 7 Games Behind

National League East

New York Mets 21 – 20 0 Games Behind

Miami Marlins 23 – 24 1 Games Behind

Atlanta Braves 23 – 24 1 Games Behind

Philadelphia Phillies: 23 wins, 25 losses, currently 1.5 games behind.

Washington Nationals: 20 wins, 23 losses, currently 2 games behind.

National League Central

St. Louis Cardinals 26 – 21 0 Games Behind

Chicago Cubs 24 – 22 1.5 Games Behind

Milwaukee Brewers 24 – 23 2 Games Behind

Cincinnati Reds 20 – 25 5 Games Behind

Pittsburgh Pirates 18 – 28 7.5 Games Behind

National League West

San Diego Padres 30 – 18 0 Games Behind

Los Angeles Dodgers 29 – 18 0.5 Games Behind

San Francisco Giants 28 – 19 1.5 Games Behind

Colorado Rockies 19 – 29 11 Games Behind

Arizona Diamondbacks: 18 wins, 30 losses, currently 12 games behind.

Odds to Win the MLB 2021 World Series

Below are the odds for winning the MLB 2021 World Series, according to Bovada sportsbook as of May 25, 2021.

Team Odds
Los Angeles Dodgers +300
New York Yankees +700
San Diego Padres +700
Chicago White Sox +800
New York Mets +1000
Houston Astros +1600
Atlanta Braves +1700
Tampa Bay Rays +1800
Oakland Athletics +1800
Boston Red Sox +1800
Toronto Blue Jays +2000
St. Louis Cardinals +2200
Milwaukee Brewers +2800
San Francisco Giants +4000
Cleveland Indians +4000
Chicago Cubs +5000
Philadelphia Phillies +5000
Cincinnati Reds +6600
Minnesota Twins +6600
Miami Marlins +6600
Los Angeles Angels +6600
Kansas City Royals +7500
Washington Nationals +7500
Seattle Mariners +12500
Texas Rangers +25000
Baltimore Orioles +30000
Arizona Diamondbacks +30000
Pittsburgh Pirates +40000
Current Standings in the MVP Race for the National League and American League (as of May 25, 2021)
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Sources:

Lottery Ticket Sales Jackpot Calculation Tool , bbwaa.com, May 25, 2021.

“MLB Standings 2021” , espn.com, May 25, 2021.

MVP Competition in the National and American Leagues (as of May 25, 2021) , bovada.lv, May 25, 2021.

“Ronald Acuna Jr.” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Jacob deGrom” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Fernando Tatis Jr.” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Juan Soto” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Bryce Harper” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Mookie Betts” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Corey Seager” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Kris Bryant” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Shohei Ohtani” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Vlad Guerrero Jr.” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Mike Trout” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Aaron Judge” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“J. D. Martinez” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Giancarlo Stanton” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Jose Ramirez” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

“Jose Abreu” , baseball-reference.com, May 25, 2021.

Written by: David Green